Evolution, Ecology and Behavior with Stephen C. Stearns - 32. Economic Decisions for the Foraging Individual

Principles of Evolution, Ecology and Behavior (EEB 122) There are several ways to examine the behaviors of organisms when they forage or hunt for food or mates. These behaviors become more complex in higher organisms, such as primates and whales, which can hunt in groups. Foragers and hunters have been shown to examine the marginal cost and marginal benefit of continuing an action and then adjust their behaviors accordingly. They are also able to handle risk by hoarding resources. 00:00 - Chapter 1. Introduction 05:30 - Chapter 2. The Marginal Value Theorem 12:05 - Chapter 3. Inferring the Fitness Measure Used by Foragers 14:18 - Chapter 4. Dealing with Risk 16:58 - Chapter 5. How Predators Shape Crypsis and Conspicuousness 28:09 - Chapter 6. Hunting in a Group 45:28 - Chapter 7. Conclusion Complete course materials are available at the Open Yale Courses website: http://open.yale.edu/courses This course was recorded in Spring 2009.